Tokyo — On 19 May 2026, Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of the United Nations University (UNU), and Khaled El-Enany, Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), signed a new Arrangement on Institutional Cooperation.
The agreement reflects the longstanding partnership between the two United Nations entities and establishes a renewed basis for strategic dialogue, joint initiatives, research cooperation, capacity development and multistakeholder engagement in areas of shared priority.
The arrangement recognizes the growing importance of knowledge-based international cooperation in addressing interconnected global challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, technological transformation, social inequality, and threats to peace and human security. It further emphasizes the role of science-policy-society interfaces, science diplomacy and intercultural dialogue in supporting multilateral action.
“This agreement marks an important step in strengthening cooperation between UNU and UNESCO at a time when multilateralism, scientific collaboration and inclusive knowledge partnerships are more essential than ever”, said Rector Marwala. “Together, we aim to further advance research, education and policy engagement that contribute to sustainable development, peace and human well-being.”
Director-General El-Enany noted: “UNESCO and UNU share a deep commitment to mobilizing knowledge, science, education and culture in the service of peace and sustainable development. This renewed framework will broaden cooperation across our two institutions and strengthen our collective capacity to meet global challenges — through dialogue, innovation and international solidarity, and by bringing knowledge closer to the communities it is meant to serve.”
Under the new arrangement, UNU and UNESCO will cooperate across their wide areas of work spanning education, social and natural science, technology, peace, sustainability and cultural diversity. Both entities foresee collaboration through joint research and publications, conferences and expert dialogues, postgraduate and executive education initiatives, staff exchanges, policy-oriented knowledge production, and the development of joint platforms.
The new arrangement supersedes an agreement signed in 2004 and reaffirms the shared commitment of both entities to advancing the objectives of the United Nations through international cooperation grounded in evidence, inclusion and shared responsibility.
Media contact
Daniel Powell, Office of Communications, UNU
powell@unu.edu
